Features: IBM has announced that it would address
unprecedented demand for large scale x86 virtualization technologies with System
x scaleable servers featuring its Enterprise X-Architecture technology -- X3 --
and new software to help clients speed their virtualization efficiencies.
IBM introduced System x, an evolution of its xSeries product line, to help
customers move to a systems-based approach to x86 computing. IBM announced three
high-performance systems designed to deliver the greater virtualization,
utilization and performance focus required in this market segment.
Based on IBM's Virtualization Engine technologies, it also unveiled
breakthrough software that recognizes untapped utilization and hidden servers
across clients' networks and helps identify opportunities to consolidate and
virtualize x86 systems. More than 600 IBM Business Partners have been certified
to use the IBM Consolidation Discovery and Analysis Tool or CDAT.
Traditionally each x86 server runs only one application and therefore can have a
low utilization rate such as 8 to 12 percent. By pooling, managing and
optimizing IT resources across servers, virtualized systems can improve the
economics and operations of under-utilized IT assets. The CDAT software has
helped hundreds of customers identify and improve performance and in cases even
quadruple a client's computing utilization.
CDAT software helps create a single dashboard to simplify and view a client's
computing utilization rates. Through the LAN, the software automatically scans
resources on the IP network to discover all the computing systems across a
client's datacenter -including UNIX, mainframe and x86 servers. It maps the
topology for the systems infrastructure, including the operating systems,
utilization rates, and performance rates. The map helps identify operational
cost savings for clients.